2 Chronicles 27

Jotham rules Israel

1 Jotham was 25 years old when he became king, and he ruled for sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jerushah; she was Zadok's daughter.

2 Jotham did what was right in the LORD's eyes, just as his father Uzziah had done. Unlike Uzziah, Jotham didn't enter the LORD's temple. But the people continued their crooked practices.

3 Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the LORD's temple and did extensive work on the wall of the elevated fortress.

4 He built towns in Judah's highlands and fortresses and towers in the wooded areas.

5 He fought against the king of the Ammonites and defeated the Ammonites. They paid him one hundred kikkars of silver, ten thousand kors of wheat, and ten thousand kors of barley that year and for the next two years.

6 Jotham was securely established because he maintained a faithful life before the LORD his God.

7 The rest of Jotham's deeds, including all his wars and accomplishments, are written in the official records of Israel's and Judah's kings.

8 He was 25 years old when he became king, and he ruled for sixteen years in Jerusalem.

9 Jotham lay down with his ancestors and was buried in David's City. His son Ahaz succeeded him as king.

2 Chronicles 27 Commentary

Chapter 27

Jotham's reign in Judah.

- The people did corruptly. Perhaps Jotham was wanting towards the reformation of the land. Men may be very good, and yet not have courage and zeal to do what they might. It certainly casts blame upon the people. Jotham prospered, and became mighty. The more stedfast we are in religion, the more mighty we are, both to resist evil, and to do good. The Lord often removes wise and pious rulers, and sends others, whose follies and vices punish a people that valued not their mercies.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or hillside; Heb uncertain
• [b]. One kor is equivalent to a homer and is possibly equal to fifty gallons of grain.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO 2 CHRONICLES 27

This chapter treats of the reign of Jotham, which was a good one, 2Ch 27:1,2, of his buildings and wars, 2Ch 27:3-6, and of his death and burial, 2Ch 27:7-9.